A detailed summary of an article.Usually about one-third as long as originalContains main and supporting ideas as well as

important specific examples.Is completely objective

Must be in third personEverything must be attributed to the article’s

authorNo personal commentary or opinionsNo additions or interpretationsLike a police report—just the facts.

Find the main idea.Highlight it on the article.Rewrite it in your own words.

Be sure to attribute to the author of the article.

Find the key supporting ideas.Highlight them on the articleRewrite them in your own words.

Give credit to the author of the article.

Find most important examples or illustrationsHighlight them on the article.Write them in your own words.

Be sure to attribute the examples to the original source and the author of the article you read.

Original“For some of today’s

college students, binge drinking has become the norm.”

PrécisAccording to Erdely,

drinking to excess has become a regular part of college life for some students.

Original“In one of the most

extensive reports on college drinking thus far, a 1997 Harvard School of Public Health study found that 43 percent of college students admitted binge drinking in the preceding two weeks.”

PrécisAs an example,

Erdely cites a 1997 study by the Harvard School of Public Health, which determined that 43 percent of college students drank to excess in the two weeks prior to the study.

Use original article as model for organizationOutline not really needed

You are just following the original.Start writing the rough draft.

Use paraphrases created while reading.Check items for accuracy.Make sure everything is attributed.Eliminate any first person pronouns you find.

Except in quotes

Check rough draft.Add additional examples or ideas where

necessary.Read out loud to see if your writing flows.

Use transitions to help reader move from one idea to another.

Check for awkward, incorrect, or choppy sentences.

Compose final draft.Check facts one more time.Proofread out loud again